2025 Province of Matera Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in August)

Craco is a city in Italy where all people have to leave their own house and escape somewhere else because few years ago the city became unsafe due to some leaking in the street due to an error occurred by the water drain system. this city completely builded on the rocks has an amazing view also. Craco is a ghost town and comune in the province of Matera, in the southern Italian region of Basilicata. It was abandoned towards the end of the 20th century, due to faulty pipe work that was thought to have failed, causing the town to be abandoned due to a land slide. Now, Craco is uninhabited. In 1963, the 1,800 inhabitants were moved to a valley at closer proximity called as Craco Peschiera. That population is now reduced to below 800 inhabitants. Craco is a ghost town and comune in the province of Matera, in the southern Italian region of Basilicata. It was abandoned towards the end of the 20th century, due to faulty pipe work that was thought to have failed, causing the town to be abandoned due to a land slide Arriving at the village, which is quite literally under lock and key, you realize that all that is left behind is a shell of what was clearly once a magnificent hilltop town. Craco is not open to the public because of safety concerns and because the homes are still privately owned by many of the families that were forced to abandon them between the 1960s and 1980. It is partially accessible on a guided tour. #passionpassport #amazingplace #globetrotter #italy #italytravel

#mediterranean If you’re looking for a destination that feels like stepping into a different era — almost biblical in atmosphere — Matera will take your breath away. Located in Basilicata, southern Italy, this city carved into rock is one of the oldest continually inhabited places on Earth. Known for its Sassi (stone cave dwellings), Matera has gone from being a symbol of poverty to a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage site and was even crowned the European Capital of Culture in 2019. ⸻ 📍 How to Get There The easiest way to reach Matera is by train or bus from Bari, which is about 1.5 hours away. If you’re driving through Puglia or Basilicata, it’s a beautiful stop between coastal towns and mountainous villages. ⸻ 📅 Suggested One-Day Itinerary Morning Start your day at Piazza Vittorio Veneto, where you’ll get your first sweeping view over the Sassi districts. From there, dive into the maze of narrow stone streets and descend into Sasso Caveoso, the older and more rugged part of the city. Explore cave churches like Santa Maria de Idris, perched dramatically on the rock, and San Pietro Caveoso, overlooking the canyon. Midday Take a break at a panoramic terrace café and try a pane di Matera sandwich — this local bread is protected by IGP status and is considered among the best in Italy. For lunch, go to Trattoria del Caveoso or Ristorante Francesca, both offering authentic Lucanian dishes in atmospheric cave settings. Afternoon Visit the Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, a furnished cave dwelling that gives insight into how people lived here until the 1950s. Then, make your way to the Museo Nazionale Ridola or Palombaro Lungo, a vast underground water cistern that feels like something out of Indiana Jones. Golden Hour Head to Belvedere di Murgia Timone, just across the canyon, for the best sunset view over the Sassi. The golden light makes the city glow in amber tones — a photographer’s dream. ⸻ 💸 Estimated Daily Cost Expect to spend around 40–60€ for food, entrance fees, and transport if you’re doing it independently. ⸻ 🌟 Why Matera is Special The city has been used as a backdrop in films like The Passion of the Christ and No Time to Die for a reason — there’s truly nothing like it. Visiting Matera is like walking through history, culture, and spirituality all at once. ⸻ 🇮🇹 Florence in a Day: Art, Architecture & Aperitivo 🎨⛪🍷 Florence, or Firenze, is the beating heart of the Renaissance and one of the most visually rich cities in the world. While it deserves a few days to explore fully, even 24 hours in Florence can be an unforgettable experience. ⸻ 🚆 How to Get There Florence is extremely well connected by Italy’s high-speed train network. From Rome or Milan, you can get there in under 2 hours. The main station, Santa Maria Novella, drops you off right in the historical center. ⸻ 📅 One-Day Itinerary Morning Start at the Duomo di Firenze (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore). Climb Brunelleschi’s Dome early to beat the crowd

Matera is a true gem! The stunning Sassi cave dwellings are a marvel, and wandering through the ancient streets feels like stepping back in time. The views are absolutely breathtaking! Just arrived and I'm already in love—the mix of history and stunning landscapes is incredible, with every corner revealing something new and beautiful. Matera has stolen my heart! The ancient architecture and vibrant culture create an unforgettable experience. A must-visit for anyone traveling in Italy! ✨🏛️🏞️❤️ #Matera #SassiDiMatera #TravelItaly #HiddenGems #Wanderlust #ExploreMore #CulturalHeritage ##myitinerary #puglia #hiddengem

📍Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli, Piazza Giovanni Pascoli, Matera, Italy Giovanni Pascoli Square is located in the new town area (Città Nuova) of Matera. ✔️Features: The best viewpoint to enjoy the view of Matera city and the Sassi di Matera area. ✔️Nearby attractions: Sassi di Matera, San Pietro Caveoso, Santa Maria de Idris Church, etc. You can enjoy the scenery of the Sassi di Matera area along with the traditional architecture of Matera. This place has a viewpoint where you can overlook the traditional rock houses and cave churches of Matera.

📍Piazza Giovanni Pascoli Piazza Giovanni Pascoli is an important public space in the heart of Matera, named in honor of the famous Italian poet. There is a viewing platform near the square, a great place to look down on Matera and the Sassi region. The sunset and night views are a must-see. Other viewing platforms 1️⃣Belvedere Murgia Timone Contrada Murgia Timone, 75100 Matera MT, Italy 2️⃣Belvedere - Raffaele Giura Longo - storico Via Duomo, 7, 75100 Matera MT, Italy 3️⃣Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio detto dei "Tre Archi" Piazza Vittorio Veneto, 75100 Matera MT, Italy #Overseas travel

📍Giovanni Pascoli Viewpoint and Square, Matera A viewpoint located in Matera, a great place to overlook the city of Matera and the Sassi di Matera area A panoramic view of Matera's Sassi di Matera and its surroundings. You can see the cave houses, rock churches, and ancient buildings of the Sassi area at a glance, which is a great help in understanding Matera's unique history and architecture, and above all, you can enjoy Matera's enchanting scenery even more beautifully. Giovanni Pascoli Square is named after the Italian poet Giovanni Pascoli Pascoli is one of the important literary figures in Italy, and this viewpoint is said to be used as a place to commemorate his literary spirit and love for nature. #Overseas travel

The Basilica di San Francesco d'Assisi in Matera is a historic church founded in the 13th century and located in the Sassi district of Matera's old town. The church is dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi, and over its long history, it has undergone a transition from Gothic to Baroque style. ◆Exterior and interior The exterior features a beautiful Baroque façade, with delicate carvings and statues of saints. The façade, decorated with statues of St. Francis and St. Anthony, leaves a strong impression on visitors. The interior is even more luxurious, with a Baroque altar made in the 18th century, carvings decorated with gold leaf, and intricate frescoes in perfect harmony. ◆Sightseeing The frescoes inside depict stories from the Bible and religious scenes, and many 18th-century works of art remain. In particular, the statue of the Madonna della Bruna, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is deeply revered by local residents, and a grand celebration is held every July during the Festa della Bruna. The church is a center of religious faith, but it is also a valuable place to experience the history and art of Matera. The Church of San Francesco d'Assisi is a must-see when visiting Matera, and symbolizes the city's rich cultural heritage. #0 yen travel autumn

Matera, located in the Basilicata region of southern Italy, is one of the most fascinating and historically rich cities in the country. Known for its ancient cave dwellings, called "sassi," and its well-preserved medieval architecture, Matera offers a unique glimpse into Italy's distant past. Historic Charm: Visitors to Matera will discover a city that feels like a journey back in time. The sassi are ancient cave dwellings carved into the limestone cliffs, creating a labyrinth of homes, churches, and alleyways that have been continuously inhabited for thousands of years. Architectural Wonders: The city is divided into two main districts: Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, both offering stunning views and historic charm. Start your exploration with a guided tour of the sassi, which will provide historical context and show you some of the most remarkable cave dwellings and rock churches. Visit the Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, a restored cave house that offers insights into the daily life of Matera’s past inhabitants. The Museo Laboratorio della Civiltà Contadina showcases traditional tools and crafts, highlighting the region’s agricultural heritage. #MysticalMatera #CaveCity #HistoricCharm #ArchitecturalWonders #ExploreItaly #mytravelhacks#historicallandmarks#localguides

Just because frequent earthquakes made it impossible for residents to live, they moved out and became the desolate town it is today. But this desolation does not lack the fact that it is still a beautiful small town, and now it has become a favorite of Hollywood crew members. Many movies have been filmed here, including "The Passion of the Christ".

#外游 Matera in southern Italy is a very unique ancient cave city. This trip is really amazing! I discovered a cool and sophisticated bar, Enoteca Dai Tosi, in the ancient city of Matera. It was built in a former Sassi cave house. In the arid zone and the ancient city of Matera with insufficient water resources, in order to solve the water shortage problem, the ancient city has complete water conservancy facilities hidden deep in it. One is that in some large Sassi cave houses (richer homes), there will be indoor water storage cellars to collect rainwater for later use. The dining place of Enoteca dai Tosi is located in two water storage cellars in the former cave house! That day I tasted the red wine Tittà Rosso from the Basilicata region, paired with air-dried ham from San Daniele, and local bread from Matera. Finally, I ordered the sweet wine Moscato and a chocolate dessert. It was a perfect day. Here you can not only taste wines from various regions in Italy, but also experience the characteristics of the Sassi di Matera cave residence. #ItalyTravel #EuropeanTravel #OverseasTravel